A giant yellow street mural is being completed outside Trump Tower on NYC's Fifth Avenue. The street mural painting process began early Thursday morning, and a crowd has been gathering to watch. Watch report.

Your Story: BLM demonstration in US | Mural painted in front of Trump's tower once again

United States President Donald Trump, who has avoided being seen wearing a face covering in public, said on Thursday he "expects" to wear a mask when he next visits US troops at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington.

"I expect to be wearing a mask when I go into Walter Reed. You`re in a hospital setting. I think it`s a very appropriate thing. I have no problem with a mask," Trump told Fox News in an interview.

Trump said he would be visiting wounded soldiers as well as front-line workers seeking to contain the COVID-19 pandemic when he visits the government medical facility in Bethesda, Maryland.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tours-a-new-face-mask-factory-without-wearing-one-himself-296924">Also read |&nbsp;Trump tours a new face-mask factory without wearing one himself!</a>

Trump, who had become increasingly isolated within the Republican Party for not promoting wearing a mask, has in recent weeks spoken more favourably about their use as COVID-19 cases have surged in the United States.

More than 60,500 new COVID-19 infections were reported across the United States on Thursday, setting a one-day record as weary Americans were told to take new precautions and the pandemic becomes increasingly politicised.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-trump-says-will-wear-mask-if-in-tight-situation-with-people-310065">Also read |&nbsp;Now, Trump says will wear mask 'if in tight situation with people'</a>

United States President Donald Trump, who has avoided being seen wearing a face covering in public, said on Thursday he "expects" to wear a mask when he next visits US troops at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington.

United States President Donald Trump, who has avoided being seen wearing a face covering in public, said on Thursday he "expects" to wear a mask when he next visits US troops at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington. "I expect to be wearing a mask when I go into Walter Reed. You`re in a hospital setting. I think it`s a very appropriate thing. I have no problem with a mask," Trump told Fox News in an interview. Trump said he would be visiting wounded soldiers as well as front-line workers seeking to contain the COVID-19 pandemic when he visits the government medical facility in Bethesda, Maryland. Also read | Trump tours a new face-mask factory without wearing one himself! Trump, who had become increasingly isolated within the Republican Party for not promoting wearing a mask, has in recent weeks spoken more favourably about their use as COVID-19 cases have surged in the United States. More than 60,500 new COVID-19 infections were reported across the United States on Thursday, setting a one-day record as weary Americans were told to take new precautions and the pandemic becomes increasingly politicised. Also read | Now, Trump says will wear mask 'if in tight situation with people'

Trump 'expects' to wear a mask when he visits military hospital

Joe Biden unveiled a $700 billion plan Thursday to create jobs and invest in new technologies in an aggressive challenge to President Donald Trump on economic policy, as the warring sides clashed in key election battleground Pennsylvania.

The Democratic challenger presented his sweeping "Build Back Better" proposal, a contrast to Trump's "America first" agenda, during a speech at a metalworks plant in a swing state critical to either candidate's victory in November.

Vice President Mike Pence was simultaneously barnstorming Pennsylvania, defending his boss's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and assuring voters that Trump was best qualified to revive the sputtering economy.

Biden's manufacturing and innovation plan aims to bring back positions lost during the coronavirus pandemic, and create more than five million new jobs by investing in domestic production and research and shrinking foreign supply chains.&nbsp;

The multi-pronged approach also tightens "Buy America" guidelines, promotes new tax rules including hiking the corporate tax rate to 28 percent from 21 percent, and expands union access to empower American workers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-says-he-will-revoke-h-1b-visa-suspension-if-elected-us-president-310285">Also read |&nbsp;Joe Biden says he will revoke H-1B visa suspension, if elected US president</a>

"That's what my plan is, to build back better," Biden told ironworkers after touring their 101-year-old factory near Scranton, the blue-collar city where the former vice president grew up.

The goal, he said, is "to sharpen America's competitive edge" in new industries like battery technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnologies and clean energy. "That's the future."

Biden said he rejects the "defeatist view" that automation and globalization will sap well-paid US jobs.

"American manufacturing was the functioning arsenal of democracy in World War II, and has to be part of the engine of new prosperity in America now," he said.

Biden's plan to protect American workers underscores a recognition that, despite Trump's poor job approval numbers, voters still see him as stronger than Biden on handling the economy.

But Biden drew a sharp contrast with his billionaire rival, highlighting his working-class upbringing and even making a side-trip to his old Scranton neighbourhood.

Trump won in 2016 largely on the promise of bringing back lost manufacturing jobs.

Biden accused him of turning his back on the working class.

"Trump has simply given up," Biden said, adding that American families are "paying the price for this administration's incompetence."

While the president repeatedly invokes American business as a leading force in economic revival, Biden's plan relies on the federal government to "bolster American industrial and technological strength."&nbsp;

It proposes a $400 billion investment in domestic product procurement, and $300 billion for research and development as well as breakthrough technologies including reusable energy and electric vehicles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-natural-partners-boosting-ties-will-be-high-priority-if-voted-to-power-joe-biden-310125">Also read |&nbsp;India-US 'natural partners', boosting ties will be 'high priority' if voted to power: Joe Biden</a>

"This will be a mobilisation of R&amp;D and procurement investment in ways not seen since the Great Depression and World War II," Biden said.

ADMINISTRATION INCOMPETENCE

Pence's arrival in state signaled the White House's all-out fight for Pennsylvania, which flipped to Trump in 2016 but now leans towards Biden.

"I know, not far from here Joe Biden is at another company, talking about his plans for the economy going forward.&nbsp;And I think the choice has never been clearer for the American people," Pence told a roundtable in the town of Malvern.

Later in Philadelphia at a Fraternal Order of Police rally, he attacked "radical" leftists for "trying to smear police officers."

The remark reflected the intense debates over racial injustice and policing that have marked coast-to-coast protests following the police killing of African-American man George Floyd.

Trump's team also accused Biden of aligning with his progressive former campaign rival Bernie Sanders to unveil joint policy proposals Wednesday, including ambitious climate change mandates, that would plunge the country "into economic catastrophe."

Biden, meanwhile, savaged Trump for being woefully unprepared to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 133,000 Americans, and ignoring the plight of working-class families.

"He's exactly the wrong person to lead in this moment," Biden said.&nbsp;

Biden holds a sizeable 8.8 percent lead over Trump nationally, according to a RealClearPolitics poll aggregate.

The Democrat also leads in swing states that Trump won in 2016, including Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. 
&nbsp;

Joe Biden unveiled a $700 billion plan Thursday to create jobs and invest in new technologies in an aggressive challenge to President Donald Trump on economic policy, as the warring sides clashed in key election battleground Pennsylvania.

Joe Biden unveiled a $700 billion plan Thursday to create jobs and invest in new technologies in an aggressive challenge to President Donald Trump on economic policy, as the warring sides clashed in key election battleground Pennsylvania. The Democratic challenger presented his sweeping "Build Back Better" proposal, a contrast to Trump's "America first" agenda, during a speech at a metalworks plant in a swing state critical to either candidate's victory in November. Vice President Mike Pence was simultaneously barnstorming Pennsylvania, defending his boss's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and assuring voters that Trump was best qualified to revive the sputtering economy. Biden's manufacturing and innovation plan aims to bring back positions lost during the coronavirus pandemic, and create more than five million new jobs by investing in domestic production and research and shrinking foreign supply chains. The multi-pronged approach also tightens "Buy America" guidelines, promotes new tax rules including hiking the corporate tax rate to 28 percent from 21 percent, and expands union access to empower American workers. Also read | Joe Biden says he will revoke H-1B visa suspension, if elected US president "That's what my plan is, to build back better," Biden told ironworkers after touring their 101-year-old factory near Scranton, the blue-collar city where the former vice president grew up. The goal, he said, is "to sharpen America's competitive edge" in new industries like battery technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnologies and clean energy. "That's the future." Biden said he rejects the "defeatist view" that automation and globalization will sap well-paid US jobs. "American manufacturing was the functioning arsenal of democracy in World War II, and has to be part of the engine of new prosperity in America now," he said. Biden's plan to protect American workers underscores a recognition that, despite Trump's poor job approval numbers, voters still see him as stronger than Biden on handling the economy. But Biden drew a sharp contrast with his billionaire rival, highlighting his working-class upbringing and even making a side-trip to his old Scranton neighbourhood. Trump won in 2016 largely on the promise of bringing back lost manufacturing jobs. Biden accused him of turning his back on the working class. "Trump has simply given up," Biden said, adding that American families are "paying the price for this administration's incompetence." While the president repeatedly invokes American business as a leading force in economic revival, Biden's plan relies on the federal government to "bolster American industrial and technological strength." It proposes a $400 billion investment in domestic product procurement, and $300 billion for research and development as well as breakthrough technologies including reusable energy and electric vehicles. Also read | India-US 'natural partners', boosting ties will be 'high priority' if voted to power: Joe Biden "This will be a mobilisation of R&D and procurement investment in ways not seen since the Great Depression and World War II," Biden said. ADMINISTRATION INCOMPETENCE Pence's arrival in state signaled the White House's all-out fight for Pennsylvania, which flipped to Trump in 2016 but now leans towards Biden. "I know, not far from here Joe Biden is at another company, talking about his plans for the economy going forward. And I think the choice has never been clearer for the American people," Pence told a roundtable in the town of Malvern. Later in Philadelphia at a Fraternal Order of Police rally, he attacked "radical" leftists for "trying to smear police officers." The remark reflected the intense debates over racial injustice and policing that have marked coast-to-coast protests following the police killing of African-American man George Floyd. Trump's team also accused Biden of aligning with his progressive former campaign rival Bernie Sanders to unveil joint policy proposals Wednesday, including ambitious climate change mandates, that would plunge the country "into economic catastrophe." Biden, meanwhile, savaged Trump for being woefully unprepared to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 133,000 Americans, and ignoring the plight of working-class families. "He's exactly the wrong person to lead in this moment," Biden said. Biden holds a sizeable 8.8 percent lead over Trump nationally, according to a RealClearPolitics poll aggregate. The Democrat also leads in swing states that Trump won in 2016, including Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Challenging Trump on economy, Biden unveils $700 bn recovery plan

Former lawyer of the US President Donald Trump has been put behind bars after he refused to adhere to a gag order&nbsp; as a condition of serving his criminal sentence under home confinement.

Michael Cohen, 53, was taken to the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan, according to his lawyer, Jeffrey Levine. Cohen has now been jailed for the second time, after he was earlier released in May from New York federal prison over concerns of possible exposure to coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-cases-rise-by-record-60565-in-a-single-day-312106">Also read:&nbsp;US coronavirus cases rise by record 60,565 in a single day</a>

Cohen had earlier been proven guilty in cases of hush money, various financial crimes and lying to Congress over construction plans of Trump Tower in Moscow. He had served one out of three year sentence, and was originally eligible for a release in November 2021. But he was given a discount due to the pandemic.

On Thursday, he was ordered to a federal courthouse in Manhattan to convert his furlough to home confinement, Levine said outside of the courthouse. He was asked to not contact the media in any form, whether it was the news media or social media. However, objection from his side led to him being put behind bars again as the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Marshals Service&nbsp;came with "shackles" and ordered Cohen remanded to the jail in Brooklyn.

"I've never seen any language like this in my life," Levine said.

The order for arrest came after Cohen was spotted outside a restaurant, which he says did not violate the terms of his home confinment.&nbsp;He said Levine told him that, when Cohen objected to giving up his book and other First Amendment rights, the authorities said they would try to work it out. But instead, 90 minutes later, the U.S. marshals showed up with shackles and an order to arrest Cohen.

Trump has maintained a distance from Cohen, whom he has publically called a "rat", and Cohen, in return, has termed Trump as a "racist," a "con man" and "a cheat."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
...anticipated release date will be late September.
— Michael Cohen (@MichaelCohen212) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelCohen212/status/1278648268285792258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Cohen is also writing a book about Donald Trump about which he has said "there is so much I want to say and intend to say. But now is not the right time. Soon."

Levine said he would try to get Cohen`s arrest order vacated.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Former lawyer of the US President Donald Trump has been put behind bars after he refused to adhere to a gag order as a condition of serving his criminal sentence under home confinement.

Former lawyer of the US President Donald Trump has been put behind bars after he refused to adhere to a gag order as a condition of serving his criminal sentence under home confinement. Michael Cohen, 53, was taken to the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan, according to his lawyer, Jeffrey Levine. Cohen has now been jailed for the second time, after he was earlier released in May from New York federal prison over concerns of possible exposure to coronavirus. Also read: US coronavirus cases rise by record 60,565 in a single day Cohen had earlier been proven guilty in cases of hush money, various financial crimes and lying to Congress over construction plans of Trump Tower in Moscow. He had served one out of three year sentence, and was originally eligible for a release in November 2021. But he was given a discount due to the pandemic. On Thursday, he was ordered to a federal courthouse in Manhattan to convert his furlough to home confinement, Levine said outside of the courthouse. He was asked to not contact the media in any form, whether it was the news media or social media. However, objection from his side led to him being put behind bars again as the US Marshals Service came with "shackles" and ordered Cohen remanded to the jail in Brooklyn. "I've never seen any language like this in my life," Levine said. The order for arrest came after Cohen was spotted outside a restaurant, which he says did not violate the terms of his home confinment. He said Levine told him that, when Cohen objected to giving up his book and other First Amendment rights, the authorities said they would try to work it out. But instead, 90 minutes later, the U.S. marshals showed up with shackles and an order to arrest Cohen. Trump has maintained a distance from Cohen, whom he has publically called a "rat", and Cohen, in return, has termed Trump as a "racist," a "con man" and "a cheat." ...anticipated release date will be late September. — Michael Cohen (@MichaelCohen212) July 2, 2020 × Cohen is also writing a book about Donald Trump about which he has said "there is so much I want to say and intend to say. But now is not the right time. Soon." Levine said he would try to get Cohen`s arrest order vacated. (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, back in jail after home confinement fails

California is set to sue US President Donald Trump's administration over its policy that threatens the visas of foreign students whose courses move online due to coronavirus.

"The Trump Administration's unlawful&nbsp;policy... threatens to&nbsp;exacerbate the spread of COVID-19 and&nbsp;exile hundreds of thousands of college students studying in the United States," said a statement announcing the suit.

The lawsuit to be filed by the state's attorney general comes as Trump pushes for the country's education facilities to reopen even as virus infections continue to spike, particularly in the south and west.

On Monday, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said foreign students enrolled in fully online programmes for the fall semester would not be allowed to enter the country.

The measure was seen as a move by the White House to put pressure on educational institutions that are adopting a cautious approach to reopening amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-cases-rise-by-record-60565-in-a-single-day-312106">Also read |&nbsp;</a>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-cases-rise-by-record-60565-in-a-single-day-312106">US coronavirus cases rise by record 60,565 in a single day</a>

But California State University -- a plaintiff in the suit -- is among those planning to offer mostly online-only education to their more than 10,000 foreign students, as well as US students, this fall.

Forcing Californian universities and colleges to open in-person classes would threaten their finances and could turn them into "super-spreaders" of the disease, Attorney General Becerra said.&nbsp;

Harvard University, which also plans online-only classes next year, filed a separate lawsuit against the policy on Wednesday, along with MIT.

California is set to sue US President Donald Trump's administration over its policy that threatens the visas of foreign students whose courses move online due to coronavirus.

California is set to sue US President Donald Trump's administration over its policy that threatens the visas of foreign students whose courses move online due to coronavirus. "The Trump Administration's unlawful policy... threatens to exacerbate the spread of COVID-19 and exile hundreds of thousands of college students studying in the United States," said a statement announcing the suit. The lawsuit to be filed by the state's attorney general comes as Trump pushes for the country's education facilities to reopen even as virus infections continue to spike, particularly in the south and west. On Monday, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said foreign students enrolled in fully online programmes for the fall semester would not be allowed to enter the country. The measure was seen as a move by the White House to put pressure on educational institutions that are adopting a cautious approach to reopening amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. Also read | US coronavirus cases rise by record 60,565 in a single day But California State University -- a plaintiff in the suit -- is among those planning to offer mostly online-only education to their more than 10,000 foreign students, as well as US students, this fall. Forcing Californian universities and colleges to open in-person classes would threaten their finances and could turn them into "super-spreaders" of the disease, Attorney General Becerra said. Harvard University, which also plans online-only classes next year, filed a separate lawsuit against the policy on Wednesday, along with MIT.

California to sue Trump over order revoking foreign student visas

Top United States General Mark Milley&nbsp;pledged Thursday to "take action" if the US military could corroborate intelligence suggesting Moscow paid militants linked to the Taliban to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan.

General&nbsp;Mark&nbsp;Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary&nbsp;Mark&nbsp;Esper spoke before a congressional committee as the Trump administration comes under pressure to explain media reports claiming the president was briefed on the intelligence but did nothing in response.

Also read|&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-briefed-because-russia-bounty-reports-uncorroborated-white-house-309949">Trump not briefed because Russia bounty reports uncorroborated: White House</a>

Milley&nbsp;said the information was "not corroborated." "We'll get to the bottom of it. We are going to find out if, in fact, it's true. And if it is true, we will take action," he continued, without specifying what kind of action might be taken.&nbsp;

Washington has known for years that Russia has been supporting the Afghan insurgents, including through arms shipments,&nbsp;Milley&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

But, in the case of the Russians, "we do not have concrete corroborating evidence, intelligence to show directing. That's a big difference," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baseless-russia-denies-accusation-of-giving-bounties-to-taliban-to-attack-us-forces-308996">'Baseless': Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces</a>

''All the defense intelligence agencies have been unable to corroborate that report," Esper agreed.

Even so, he added: "The commanders take all reports seriously, regardless of the degree of credibility or confidence."

The New York Times, followed by other US media, first reported on the intelligence last month.&nbsp;

The White House has said President Donald Trump was not briefed on the intelligence because it was unverified.

But the Times, citing multiple officials, reported the intelligence was included in the written presidential daily brief back in February.

The newspaper reported that US intelligence officers and special forces in Afghanistan began raising the alarm as early as January, and that the National Security Council held an interagency meeting in late March to discuss possible responses&nbsp;but the White House did not authorize any action.&nbsp;Russia and the Taliban have denied the claims.

The scandal comes with Trump trying to withdraw troops from conflict-torn Afghanistan, one of the Taliban's key demands and end America's longest war.

Top United States General Mark Milley pledged Thursday to "take action" if the US military could corroborate intelligence suggesting Moscow paid militants linked to the Taliban to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan.

Top United States General Mark Milley pledged Thursday to "take action" if the US military could corroborate intelligence suggesting Moscow paid militants linked to the Taliban to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan. General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper spoke before a congressional committee as the Trump administration comes under pressure to explain media reports claiming the president was briefed on the intelligence but did nothing in response. Also read| Trump not briefed because Russia bounty reports uncorroborated: White House Milley said the information was "not corroborated." "We'll get to the bottom of it. We are going to find out if, in fact, it's true. And if it is true, we will take action," he continued, without specifying what kind of action might be taken. Washington has known for years that Russia has been supporting the Afghan insurgents, including through arms shipments, Milley said. But, in the case of the Russians, "we do not have concrete corroborating evidence, intelligence to show directing. That's a big difference," he said. Also read| 'Baseless': Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces ''All the defense intelligence agencies have been unable to corroborate that report," Esper agreed. Even so, he added: "The commanders take all reports seriously, regardless of the degree of credibility or confidence." The New York Times, followed by other US media, first reported on the intelligence last month. The White House has said President Donald Trump was not briefed on the intelligence because it was unverified. But the Times, citing multiple officials, reported the intelligence was included in the written presidential daily brief back in February. The newspaper reported that US intelligence officers and special forces in Afghanistan began raising the alarm as early as January, and that the National Security Council held an interagency meeting in late March to discuss possible responses but the White House did not authorize any action. Russia and the Taliban have denied the claims. The scandal comes with Trump trying to withdraw troops from conflict-torn Afghanistan, one of the Taliban's key demands and end America's longest war.

Russian bounties: Top US general vows 'response' if intel confirmed

In a major verdict, the US Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump must hand over his tax returns.

US Supreme Court rules on Donald Trump's tax records

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order with the aim of providing better access and quality of education and economic opportunities for Hispanic Americans.

"The executive order I will sign in a few moments will expand our efforts across all of federal government to deliver educational and economic opportunity for Hispanic Americans," Trump said at the White House.

This order will help improve the access to educational, training and economic opportunities for Hispanic American students. Under this program, the Hispanic American students will be provided with better school choice, personalized learning, family engagement, civics education, and pathways to in-demand jobs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/challenging-trump-on-economy-biden-unveils-700-bn-recovery-plan-312141">Also read:&nbsp;Challenging Trump on economy, Biden unveils $700 bn recovery plan</a>

The executive order also establishes the White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative and Interagency Working Group. It also creates the President`s Advisory Commission on Hispanic Prosperity.

The signing of order, so close to elections, is being seen as a move to get more votes from the community, as a poll conducted by&nbsp;&nbsp;Quinnipiac University last month had revealed that almost&nbsp;57 per cent of Hispanic voters in the United States support former Vice President Joe Biden, while only 31 per cent support Trump.

However, Biden has now lost 9 per cent points compared to a previous poll conducted by the organisation while Trump gained 3 per cent points.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order with the aim of providing better access and quality of education and economic opportunities for Hispanic Americans.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order with the aim of providing better access and quality of education and economic opportunities for Hispanic Americans. "The executive order I will sign in a few moments will expand our efforts across all of federal government to deliver educational and economic opportunity for Hispanic Americans," Trump said at the White House. This order will help improve the access to educational, training and economic opportunities for Hispanic American students. Under this program, the Hispanic American students will be provided with better school choice, personalized learning, family engagement, civics education, and pathways to in-demand jobs. Also read: Challenging Trump on economy, Biden unveils $700 bn recovery plan The executive order also establishes the White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative and Interagency Working Group. It also creates the President`s Advisory Commission on Hispanic Prosperity. The signing of order, so close to elections, is being seen as a move to get more votes from the community, as a poll conducted by Quinnipiac University last month had revealed that almost 57 per cent of Hispanic voters in the United States support former Vice President Joe Biden, while only 31 per cent support Trump. However, Biden has now lost 9 per cent points compared to a previous poll conducted by the organisation while Trump gained 3 per cent points.

Trump signs order for better educational and economical opportunities for Hispanic Americans

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged the Egyptian government to stop harassing the US citizens residing in Egypt.

The statement came after Egypt released&nbsp;Mohamed Amashah, an American medical student, after being locked up in Egyptian prison for nearly 16 months.

Amashah was&nbsp;arrested in Cairo's Tahrir Square for holding up a sign seeking the release of prisoners, according to human rights campaigners. He is a dual-citizen of the US and Egypt but resides in New Jersey. He was released from the Egyptian prison on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/egypt-welcomes-tourists-to-pyramids-after-covid-19-closure-310337">Also watch:Egypt welcomes tourists to pyramids after COVID-19 closure</a>

"We thank Egypt for securing his release and his repatriation," Pompeo told a news conference.

"But at the same time, we urge Egyptian officials to stop unwarranted harassment of US citizens and their families who remain there," he said.

Pompeo issued the statement after a group of foreign policy experts urged him to warn the Egyptian government against the ongoing harassment of the US citizens and even the Egyptian journalists and activists. The group had asked Pompeo to make it clear to the Egyptian government that all sort of aids, including military aid, will be at stake if Egypt does not stop the harassment.

"As the Trump administration tries to hold Iran and China to account for their reckless and dangerous abuses of human rights, we hope that you will hold Egypt to the same standards," said the working group on Egypt organized under the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"Continued mass violations of human rights increase the prospect of instability in Egypt and threaten US national security interests," they wrote.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged the Egyptian government to stop harassing the US citizens residing in Egypt. The statement came after Egypt released Mohamed Amashah, an American medical student, after being locked up in Egyptian prison for nearly 16 months.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged the Egyptian government to stop harassing the US citizens residing in Egypt. The statement came after Egypt released Mohamed Amashah, an American medical student, after being locked up in Egyptian prison for nearly 16 months. Amashah was arrested in Cairo's Tahrir Square for holding up a sign seeking the release of prisoners, according to human rights campaigners. He is a dual-citizen of the US and Egypt but resides in New Jersey. He was released from the Egyptian prison on Monday. Also watch:Egypt welcomes tourists to pyramids after COVID-19 closure "We thank Egypt for securing his release and his repatriation," Pompeo told a news conference. "But at the same time, we urge Egyptian officials to stop unwarranted harassment of US citizens and their families who remain there," he said. Pompeo issued the statement after a group of foreign policy experts urged him to warn the Egyptian government against the ongoing harassment of the US citizens and even the Egyptian journalists and activists. The group had asked Pompeo to make it clear to the Egyptian government that all sort of aids, including military aid, will be at stake if Egypt does not stop the harassment. "As the Trump administration tries to hold Iran and China to account for their reckless and dangerous abuses of human rights, we hope that you will hold Egypt to the same standards," said the working group on Egypt organized under the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "Continued mass violations of human rights increase the prospect of instability in Egypt and threaten US national security interests," they wrote.

Stop harassing US citizens in Egypt: Mike Pompeo warns Egypt after release of American student

President Trump slammed guidelines for reopening schools issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as "very tough & expensive,"

Donald Trump criticizes CDC guidelines for reopening schools

George Floyd said he couldn't breathe more than 20 times, called out for his children and late mother and said officers would "kill" him before he died in Minneapolis police custody, new evidence showed.

Video of his death went viral and showed Floyd shouting "I can't breathe" and calling for his mother as he suffocated.

But transcripts of the police officers' body camera footage, filed Tuesday in Minnesota state court by Thomas Lane, one of the officers involved in Floyd's death, has revealed new details about his final moments.

When the officers first arrested him, Floyd begged them not to put him in the police car, telling them he was claustrophobic and in physical distress.

As they tried to force him into the car, Floyd cried out that he couldn't breathe and was "going to die in here."

Later, according to the transcript, he said, "Momma, I love you. Tell my kids I love them. I'm dead." He called for his mother and children several more times.

Throughout his arrest, Floyd said "I can't breathe" more than 20 times. The officers can be heard telling him to "relax," and that he was doing "fine" and "talking fine."

At one point, as Floyd insisted they were going to kill him, officer Derek Chauvin shouted, "Then stop talking, stop yelling, it takes a heck of a lot of oxygen to talk."

I CAN'T BREATHE

According to the transcript, Floyd's last words were, "They're going to kill me. They're going to kill me. I can't breathe."

The transcript was submitted Tuesday by Lane to have the charges that he aided and abetted in Floyd's murder thrown out by a judge.

He and the other three officers involved -- Chauvin, Tou Thao and Alexander Kueng -- were all fired from the Minneapolis police force one day after Floyd's death and charged in his murder. They each face up to 40 years behind bars.

Chauvin, who knelt on the handcuffed 46-year-old's neck, faces second and third-degree murder charges.

Thao and Kueng, like Lane, have been charged with aiding and abetting a murder. 
The bystander video of Floyd's death stunned and horrified Americans, igniting protests and riots in cities across the country and sparking a national debate on racism and police violence.

Floyd was detained for the minor charge of attempting to use a counterfeit $20 bill, and while in handcuffs, two of the officers held him down on the street while Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd's neck and the fourth officer stood watch.

George Floyd said he couldn't breathe more than 20 times, called out for his children and late mother and said officers would "kill" him before he died in Minneapolis police custody, new evidence showed.

George Floyd said he couldn't breathe more than 20 times, called out for his children and late mother and said officers would "kill" him before he died in Minneapolis police custody, new evidence showed. Video of his death went viral and showed Floyd shouting "I can't breathe" and calling for his mother as he suffocated. But transcripts of the police officers' body camera footage, filed Tuesday in Minnesota state court by Thomas Lane, one of the officers involved in Floyd's death, has revealed new details about his final moments. When the officers first arrested him, Floyd begged them not to put him in the police car, telling them he was claustrophobic and in physical distress. As they tried to force him into the car, Floyd cried out that he couldn't breathe and was "going to die in here." Later, according to the transcript, he said, "Momma, I love you. Tell my kids I love them. I'm dead." He called for his mother and children several more times. Throughout his arrest, Floyd said "I can't breathe" more than 20 times. The officers can be heard telling him to "relax," and that he was doing "fine" and "talking fine." At one point, as Floyd insisted they were going to kill him, officer Derek Chauvin shouted, "Then stop talking, stop yelling, it takes a heck of a lot of oxygen to talk." I CAN'T BREATHE According to the transcript, Floyd's last words were, "They're going to kill me. They're going to kill me. I can't breathe." The transcript was submitted Tuesday by Lane to have the charges that he aided and abetted in Floyd's murder thrown out by a judge. He and the other three officers involved -- Chauvin, Tou Thao and Alexander Kueng -- were all fired from the Minneapolis police force one day after Floyd's death and charged in his murder. They each face up to 40 years behind bars. Chauvin, who knelt on the handcuffed 46-year-old's neck, faces second and third-degree murder charges. Thao and Kueng, like Lane, have been charged with aiding and abetting a murder. The bystander video of Floyd's death stunned and horrified Americans, igniting protests and riots in cities across the country and sparking a national debate on racism and police violence. Floyd was detained for the minor charge of attempting to use a counterfeit $20 bill, and while in handcuffs, two of the officers held him down on the street while Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd's neck and the fourth officer stood watch.

George Floyd said officers would 'kill' him in new recording transcript

Trump's party has come out in support of the US President Donald Trump and has accused Twitter of being biased against conservatives.

Two US&nbsp;Republican lawmakers on Wednesday accused Twitter of being biased against conservatives. The lawmakers&nbsp;Jim Jordan and James Sensenbrenner have accused Twitter of not keeping content moderation as neutral and has alleged that the social media platform is more harsh towards&nbsp;the conservatives.

They have demanded information about the social media platform's reactions to two tweets by President Donald Trump.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-boycott-leaders-disappointed-after-meeting-with-ceo-zuckerberg-311586">Also watch:&nbsp;Facebook boycott leaders 'disappointed' after meeting with CEO Zuckerberg</a>

The lawmakers specifically&nbsp;raised concerns on Twitter's reaction on Trump's tweet where he claimed to&nbsp;use "serious force" to keep protesters from creating an autonomous zone in Washington, D.C. Twitter had attached a warning message with the tweet stating that the content&nbsp;violated a policy against abusive behavior.

The other tweet they highlighted was where Trump's tweet was published with a warning message claiming the tweet, establishing a possible link between mailed ballots and voter fraud,&nbsp;could confuse voters.

"Twitter’s discrimination against conservative voices is extremely alarming. These actions give rise to concerns that the company is systematically engaged in the disparate treatment of political speech and is deceiving users of the platform by not uniformly applying its terms of service," they wrote in a letter to Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter.

They also accused a Twitter official of using&nbsp;using insulting language to talk about the president and a White House official. However, they did not name the official.

Twitter has acknowledged the letter, but has not issued a reply to the same.

Trump's party has come out in support of the US President Donald Trump and has accused Twitter of being biased against conservatives. Two US Republican lawmakers on Wednesday accused Twitter of being biased against conservatives.

Trump's party has come out in support of the US President Donald Trump and has accused Twitter of being biased against conservatives. Two US Republican lawmakers on Wednesday accused Twitter of being biased against conservatives. The lawmakers Jim Jordan and James Sensenbrenner have accused Twitter of not keeping content moderation as neutral and has alleged that the social media platform is more harsh towards the conservatives. They have demanded information about the social media platform's reactions to two tweets by President Donald Trump. Also watch: Facebook boycott leaders 'disappointed' after meeting with CEO Zuckerberg The lawmakers specifically raised concerns on Twitter's reaction on Trump's tweet where he claimed to use "serious force" to keep protesters from creating an autonomous zone in Washington, D.C. Twitter had attached a warning message with the tweet stating that the content violated a policy against abusive behavior. The other tweet they highlighted was where Trump's tweet was published with a warning message claiming the tweet, establishing a possible link between mailed ballots and voter fraud, could confuse voters. "Twitter’s discrimination against conservative voices is extremely alarming. These actions give rise to concerns that the company is systematically engaged in the disparate treatment of political speech and is deceiving users of the platform by not uniformly applying its terms of service," they wrote in a letter to Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter. They also accused a Twitter official of using using insulting language to talk about the president and a White House official. However, they did not name the official. Twitter has acknowledged the letter, but has not issued a reply to the same.

Republican lawmakers accuse Twitter of being biased against conservatives

US President Donald Trump's controversial rally and other mass events in Tulsa in June "more than likely" contributed to a local spike in coronavirus cases.

Tulsa County has seen record daily new COVID-19 cases this week, including 266 on Wednesday.

Several thousand supporters of the US president defied the pandemic to attend the fiery rally last month, which was hyped as a major campaign relaunch ahead of the November election. Health authorities in the southern US state of Oklahoma now believe the events led to the sudden surge in cases.

The indoor gathering had drawn criticism for a lack of social distancing and its failure to mandate the wearing of masks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asked-volunteers-to-remove-social-distancing-labels-in-tulsa-rally-reports-309082">Also read |&nbsp;Trump asked volunteers to remove social distancing labels in Tulsa rally: reports</a>

Attendees' temperature was taken at the entrance to Trump's rally, and masks distributed, but the majority of participants did not wear one -- including Trump himself.

Also, a day before Trump's rally, thousands in Tulsa participated in Juneteenth commemorations marking the liberation of the final US slaves in 1865. The night of the rally, almost 1,000 counter-protesters also gathered in the city.

Several members of the Republican billionaire's campaign team tested positive for the coronavirus before and after the rally, as did Secret Service agents.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-team-looks-to-revamp-rallies-after-being-rattled-by-tulsa-event-308572">Also read |&nbsp;Trump team looks to revamp rallies after being rattled by Tulsa event</a>

US President Donald Trump's controversial rally and other mass events in Tulsa in June "more than likely" contributed to a local spike in coronavirus cases. Tulsa County has seen record daily new COVID-19 cases this week, including 266 on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump's controversial rally and other mass events in Tulsa in June "more than likely" contributed to a local spike in coronavirus cases. Tulsa County has seen record daily new COVID-19 cases this week, including 266 on Wednesday. Several thousand supporters of the US president defied the pandemic to attend the fiery rally last month, which was hyped as a major campaign relaunch ahead of the November election. Health authorities in the southern US state of Oklahoma now believe the events led to the sudden surge in cases. The indoor gathering had drawn criticism for a lack of social distancing and its failure to mandate the wearing of masks. Also read | Trump asked volunteers to remove social distancing labels in Tulsa rally: reports Attendees' temperature was taken at the entrance to Trump's rally, and masks distributed, but the majority of participants did not wear one -- including Trump himself. Also, a day before Trump's rally, thousands in Tulsa participated in Juneteenth commemorations marking the liberation of the final US slaves in 1865. The night of the rally, almost 1,000 counter-protesters also gathered in the city. Several members of the Republican billionaire's campaign team tested positive for the coronavirus before and after the rally, as did Secret Service agents. Also read | Trump team looks to revamp rallies after being rattled by Tulsa event

Coronavirus spike in Tulsa linked to Trump's June rally

Shocking revelations about Donald Trump made in his niece's tell-all book

The coronavirus pandemic is ravaging parts of the country and affecting numerous aspects of American life. While the future of the pandemic in US is still unclear here are five reasons behind the coronavirus case.

WION Dispatch: Why coronavirus cases surged in US

While referring to Hydroxychloroquine's use in India, An adviser to US President Donald Trump has claimed that the drug is effective in treating Covid-19. But scientists and doctors are still not completely convinced. Is Hydroxychloroquine caught up in the politics of the pandemic?

Gravitas: Is Hydroxychloroquine caught up in the politics of the pandemic?

A diminishing privilege, a raging pandemic, growing recession & violent unrest. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how Trump has failed to make America great.

Gravitas: How Trump has failed to make America great

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, who provided damning impeachment evidence against United States President Donald Trump, retired from the army on Wednesday. His attorney said he was subjected to a campaign of "bullying, intimidation and retaliation."

Vindman was up for promotion to full colonel. He was fired from his position on the National Security Council at the White House in February, two days after Trump was acquitted by the Republican-majority Senate.

LTC Vindman's patriotism has cost him his career, the attorney said.

"Through a campaign of bullying, intimidation, and retaliation, the president of the United States attempted to force LTC Vindman to choose: Between adhering to the law or pleasing a President. Between honoring his oath or protecting his career. These are choices that no one in the United States should confront, especially one who has dedicated his life to serving it," he added.

Vindman was present during the July 25, 2019 phone call during which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to open an investigation into Biden.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-cut-off-funding-to-us-schools-if-they-dont-reopen-by-november-311787">Also read |&nbsp;Trump threatens to cut off funding to US schools if they don't reopen by November</a>

Subpoenaed by Congress to testify at the House impeachment hearings, the Ukrainian-born Vindman, who received a Purple Heart for wounds suffered in Iraq, said Trump's actions were "improper."

That testimony helped build the case leading to Trump becoming only the third president ever impeached by Congress.

John Bolton, who served as Trump's National Security Advisor when Vindman was at the White House, told MSNBC television that his performance had been "exceptional."

Vindman's twin brother, a lawyer on the National Security Council, was not called to publically testify but was also forced out of his White House position in February.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fires-intelligence-official-who-had-key-impeachment-role-290551">Also read |&nbsp;Trump fires intelligence official who had key impeachment role</a>

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, who provided damning impeachment evidence against United States President Donald Trump, retired from the army on Wednesday.

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, who provided damning impeachment evidence against United States President Donald Trump, retired from the army on Wednesday. His attorney said he was subjected to a campaign of "bullying, intimidation and retaliation." Vindman was up for promotion to full colonel. He was fired from his position on the National Security Council at the White House in February, two days after Trump was acquitted by the Republican-majority Senate. LTC Vindman's patriotism has cost him his career, the attorney said. "Through a campaign of bullying, intimidation, and retaliation, the president of the United States attempted to force LTC Vindman to choose: Between adhering to the law or pleasing a President. Between honoring his oath or protecting his career. These are choices that no one in the United States should confront, especially one who has dedicated his life to serving it," he added. Vindman was present during the July 25, 2019 phone call during which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to open an investigation into Biden. Also read | Trump threatens to cut off funding to US schools if they don't reopen by November Subpoenaed by Congress to testify at the House impeachment hearings, the Ukrainian-born Vindman, who received a Purple Heart for wounds suffered in Iraq, said Trump's actions were "improper." That testimony helped build the case leading to Trump becoming only the third president ever impeached by Congress. John Bolton, who served as Trump's National Security Advisor when Vindman was at the White House, told MSNBC television that his performance had been "exceptional." Vindman's twin brother, a lawyer on the National Security Council, was not called to publically testify but was also forced out of his White House position in February. Also read | Trump fires intelligence official who had key impeachment role

Key impeachment witness quits army. Is Trump's bullying the reason?

China is willing to resume talks at all levels in all fields as long as the United States is ready, said Chinese State Counsellor&nbsp;and foreign minister&nbsp;Wang&nbsp;Yi&nbsp;when he addressed the China-US&nbsp;Think Tanks and Media Online Forum via videolink on Thursday.

In his address, he talked about problems with the current US strategy towards China, questioning its basis and accusing the U.S. of making up "China Threats".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-war-of-words-escalates-over-covid-19-origin-296648">US-China war of words escalates over COVID-19 origin</a>

Wang said "the current China policy of the US&nbsp;is based on ill-informed strategic miscalculation, and is fraught with emotions and whims and McCarthyist bigotry. Its suspicion about China, which is totally uncalled-for, has reached a point of paranoia.''

''It seems as if every Chinese investment is politically driven, every Chinese student is a spy, and every cooperation initiative is a scheme with a hidden agenda. If the US&nbsp;lacks confidence, openness and inclusiveness to such an extent, and chooses to conjure up 'China Threats' of various kinds, its paranoia may turn into self-fulfilling prophecies at the end of the day," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-foreign-minister-says-us-china-nearing-brink-of-new-cold-war-300709">Chinese foreign minister says US, China nearing 'brink of new Cold War'</a>

Wang&nbsp;stressed that communication channels are still open and China would like to resume all dialogue mechanisms with the United States.&nbsp;He also made&nbsp;three proposals on bringing China-US&nbsp;relations back on track.

"First, to activate and open all the channels of dialogue," said&nbsp;Wang. He said only communication can dispel falsehoods and only dialogue can prevent miscalculation, reaffirming that China's door to dialogue remains open.

As long as the US&nbsp;is ready, China can resume and restart the dialogue mechanisms at all levels and in all areas, he said.

All issues can be put on the table, and all differences can be addressed properly through dialogue, said&nbsp;Wang.

"Second, to review and agree on the lists of interactions and third is&nbsp;to focus and cooperate on COVID-19 response," he added.

The foreign minister said that, given the inter-connectedness and complicated issues, it is useful for the two sides to sit down, run over them, and draw up the following three lists, that is, a list of cooperation areas, a list of dialogues and a list of issues that need proper management. He said that in the face of the virus, cooperation should be the first-order priority.

China is ready to share with the United States information about COVID-19 prevention and containment as well as its response experience, he said, adding that China is ready to have closer exchanges with the United States on diagnostics and therapeutics, vaccines and economic recovery.

The United States should immediately stop its acts of politicization and stigmatization and work with China to promote a global response to save more lives and take up the international responsibilities as two major powers in the world.

Washington and Beijing have been at loggerheads over the handling of the coronavirus outbreak, China's actions in the former British colony of Hong Kong, a long-running trade dispute, and frictions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

On Wednesday, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the world should not permit China's "bullying" to take place, highlighting the country's territorial disputes with India, Vietnam, and Japan.

The forum was held to build mutual respect, trust and cooperation between China and the US&nbsp;with more than 30 top diplomats and experts from across the world participating in it online.

China is willing to resume talks at all levels in all fields as long as the United States is ready, said Chinese State Counsellor and foreign minister Wang Yi when he addressed the China-US Think Tanks and Media Online Forum via videolink on Thursday.

China is willing to resume talks at all levels in all fields as long as the United States is ready, said Chinese State Counsellor and foreign minister Wang Yi when he addressed the China-US Think Tanks and Media Online Forum via videolink on Thursday. In his address, he talked about problems with the current US strategy towards China, questioning its basis and accusing the U.S. of making up "China Threats". Also read: US-China war of words escalates over COVID-19 origin Wang said "the current China policy of the US is based on ill-informed strategic miscalculation, and is fraught with emotions and whims and McCarthyist bigotry. Its suspicion about China, which is totally uncalled-for, has reached a point of paranoia.'' ''It seems as if every Chinese investment is politically driven, every Chinese student is a spy, and every cooperation initiative is a scheme with a hidden agenda. If the US lacks confidence, openness and inclusiveness to such an extent, and chooses to conjure up 'China Threats' of various kinds, its paranoia may turn into self-fulfilling prophecies at the end of the day," he added. Also read: Chinese foreign minister says US, China nearing 'brink of new Cold War' Wang stressed that communication channels are still open and China would like to resume all dialogue mechanisms with the United States. He also made three proposals on bringing China-US relations back on track. "First, to activate and open all the channels of dialogue," said Wang. He said only communication can dispel falsehoods and only dialogue can prevent miscalculation, reaffirming that China's door to dialogue remains open. As long as the US is ready, China can resume and restart the dialogue mechanisms at all levels and in all areas, he said. All issues can be put on the table, and all differences can be addressed properly through dialogue, said Wang. "Second, to review and agree on the lists of interactions and third is to focus and cooperate on COVID-19 response," he added. The foreign minister said that, given the inter-connectedness and complicated issues, it is useful for the two sides to sit down, run over them, and draw up the following three lists, that is, a list of cooperation areas, a list of dialogues and a list of issues that need proper management. He said that in the face of the virus, cooperation should be the first-order priority. China is ready to share with the United States information about COVID-19 prevention and containment as well as its response experience, he said, adding that China is ready to have closer exchanges with the United States on diagnostics and therapeutics, vaccines and economic recovery. The United States should immediately stop its acts of politicization and stigmatization and work with China to promote a global response to save more lives and take up the international responsibilities as two major powers in the world. Washington and Beijing have been at loggerheads over the handling of the coronavirus outbreak, China's actions in the former British colony of Hong Kong, a long-running trade dispute, and frictions over Taiwan and the South China Sea. On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the world should not permit China's "bullying" to take place, highlighting the country's territorial disputes with India, Vietnam, and Japan. The forum was held to build mutual respect, trust and cooperation between China and the US with more than 30 top diplomats and experts from across the world participating in it online.

Ready to share COVID-19 experience with US: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi

The&nbsp;World&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Organization&nbsp;(WHO) said on Thursday that it was setting up an independent panel to review its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response by governments.

The announcement follows strong criticism by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's administration, which accused the WHO of being "China-centric", and US&nbsp;formal notification on Tuesday that it was withdrawing from the U.N. agency in a year's time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-begins-formal-withdrawal-from-who-311479">Trump administration begins formal withdrawal from WHO</a>

"Through you the world will understand the truth of what happened and also the solutions to build our future better as one humanity," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the UN agency's headquarters in Geneva.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf have agreed to head the panel and chose its members, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual meeting with representatives of WHO's 194 member states, which was webcast.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-defends-who-slams-us-move-to-withdraw-311800">China defends WHO, slams US move to withdraw</a>

"This is not a standard report that ticks a box and is then put on a shelf to gather dust. This is something we take seriously," Tedros said, adding that the panel would provide an interim report to an annual meeting of&nbsp;health&nbsp;ministers being reconvened in November.

Clark, addressing the meeting, said that the assignment "could only be described as exceptionally challenging".

Tedros also said that a divided planet could not conquer the coronavirus crisis, after the US formally started its withdrawal from the UN agency.

"We cannot defeat this pandemic as a divided world... Together is the solution unless we want to give the advantage to the enemy, to the virus that has taken the world hostage," he said at the agency's Geneva headquarters.

Tedros noted that in May, WHO's member states adopted unanimously a resolution put forward by the European Union calling for an evaluation of the global response to the pandemic.

More than 12 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 548,429​ have died, according to a Reuters tally.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday that it was setting up an independent panel to review its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response by governments.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday that it was setting up an independent panel to review its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response by governments. The announcement follows strong criticism by US President Donald Trump's administration, which accused the WHO of being "China-centric", and US formal notification on Tuesday that it was withdrawing from the U.N. agency in a year's time. Also read: Trump administration begins formal withdrawal from WHO "Through you the world will understand the truth of what happened and also the solutions to build our future better as one humanity," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the UN agency's headquarters in Geneva. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf have agreed to head the panel and chose its members, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual meeting with representatives of WHO's 194 member states, which was webcast. Also read: China defends WHO, slams US move to withdraw "This is not a standard report that ticks a box and is then put on a shelf to gather dust. This is something we take seriously," Tedros said, adding that the panel would provide an interim report to an annual meeting of health ministers being reconvened in November. Clark, addressing the meeting, said that the assignment "could only be described as exceptionally challenging". Tedros also said that a divided planet could not conquer the coronavirus crisis, after the US formally started its withdrawal from the UN agency. "We cannot defeat this pandemic as a divided world... Together is the solution unless we want to give the advantage to the enemy, to the virus that has taken the world hostage," he said at the agency's Geneva headquarters. Tedros noted that in May, WHO's member states adopted unanimously a resolution put forward by the European Union calling for an evaluation of the global response to the pandemic. More than 12 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 548,429 have died, according to a Reuters tally. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO sets up panel to review handling of coronavirus pandemic

Facebook Inc on Wednesday removed 50 personal and professional pages connected to U.S. President Donald Trump’s longtime adviser Roger Stone, who is due to report to prison next week.

The social media platform said Stone and his associates, including a prominent supporter of the right-wing Proud Boys group in Stone’s home state of Florida, had used fake accounts and followers to promote Stone’s books and posts.

Facebook moved against Stone on the same day it took down accounts tied to employees of the family of Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro and two other networks connected to domestic political operations in Ecuador and Ukraine.

Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy, said the removals were meant to show that artificially inflating engagement for political impact would be stopped, no matter how well connected the practitioners.

“It doesn’t matter what they’re saying, and it doesn’t matter who they are,” Gleicher told Reuters before the announcement on the company's blog bit.ly/2Z7QSzc. “We expect we’re going to see more political actors cross this line and use coordinated inauthentic behaviour to try to influence public debate.”

Facebook officials said they took down Stone’s personal Facebook and Instagram pages and his Stone Cold Truth Facebook page, which had 141,000 followers. A total of 54 Facebook accounts and 50 pages were removed for misbehaviour, including the creation of fake accounts. The accounts spent more than $300,000 on advertisements over the past few years, Facebook said.

Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg was briefed on the actions beforehand, officials said.

The removals risk further angering Trump and other conservatives who accuse Facebook of suppressing right-wing voices. Facebook last month took down a Trump re-election ad that included a Nazi symbol, and it pledged to steer users to facts on voting when Trump, or anyone else, touches on the topic.

Facebook is under pressure from civil rights advocates and allied groups as well, and hundreds of advertisers have joined a boycott demanding the company crackdown on hateful and divisive messages.

Facebook Inc on Wednesday removed 50 personal and professional pages connected to U.S. President Donald Trump’s longtime adviser Roger Stone, who is due to report to prison next week.

Facebook Inc on Wednesday removed 50 personal and professional pages connected to U.S. President Donald Trump’s longtime adviser Roger Stone, who is due to report to prison next week. The social media platform said Stone and his associates, including a prominent supporter of the right-wing Proud Boys group in Stone’s home state of Florida, had used fake accounts and followers to promote Stone’s books and posts. Facebook moved against Stone on the same day it took down accounts tied to employees of the family of Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro and two other networks connected to domestic political operations in Ecuador and Ukraine. Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy, said the removals were meant to show that artificially inflating engagement for political impact would be stopped, no matter how well connected the practitioners. “It doesn’t matter what they’re saying, and it doesn’t matter who they are,” Gleicher told Reuters before the announcement on the company's blog bit.ly/2Z7QSzc. “We expect we’re going to see more political actors cross this line and use coordinated inauthentic behaviour to try to influence public debate.” Facebook officials said they took down Stone’s personal Facebook and Instagram pages and his Stone Cold Truth Facebook page, which had 141,000 followers. A total of 54 Facebook accounts and 50 pages were removed for misbehaviour, including the creation of fake accounts. The accounts spent more than $300,000 on advertisements over the past few years, Facebook said. Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg was briefed on the actions beforehand, officials said. The removals risk further angering Trump and other conservatives who accuse Facebook of suppressing right-wing voices. Facebook last month took down a Trump re-election ad that included a Nazi symbol, and it pledged to steer users to facts on voting when Trump, or anyone else, touches on the topic. Facebook is under pressure from civil rights advocates and allied groups as well, and hundreds of advertisers have joined a boycott demanding the company crackdown on hateful and divisive messages.

Facebook takes down accounts and pages of Trump ally Roger Stone

US President Donald Trump's niece Mary Trump levels scathing criticism of the President in her forthcoming book, accusing him of "hubris and willful ignorance" dating back to his early days. Watch report.

Trump's niece pens tell-all book:Trump cheated in college entrance exam

US President Donald Trump's niece paints him as a lying narcissist who was shaped by his domineering father in her memoir.

The memoir is due out on July 14 amid a legal battle to stop its publication and is already a best-seller on Amazon.

The 240-page book says Trump is a product of his "sociopath" father Fred Trump who created an abusive and traumatic home life, The Washington Post reported.

The memoir is billed as the first unflattering portrayal of Trump by a family insider.

She writes that her uncle meets all the clinical criteria for being a narcissist, according to The New York Times.

Mary, a clinical psychologist, also writes that Trump saw "cheating as a way of life," according to The New York Times. She alleges that the future US leader paid someone else to take the SAT pre-collegiate exam, helping him get into the University of Pennsylvania's prestigious Wharton business school.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-paid-proxy-to-take-college-entrance-exam-for-him-claims-nieces-new-book-311508">Also read |&nbsp;Trump paid proxy to take college entrance exam for him, claims niece's new book</a>

Mary is the daughter of Fred Trump Jr, Trump's older brother, who died in 1981 from complications related to alcoholism.

The president's younger brother Robert Trump tried to block publication, arguing that Mary was violating a non-disclosure agreement signed in 2001 after the settlement of her grandfather's estate.

The book is set to be the latest bombshell book to dish dirt on Trump after former aide John Bolton's tome, which describes the Republican leader as corrupt and incompetent, hit shelves last month.

The White House immediately hit back, describing Mary Trump's "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man" as "a book of falsehoods."

"(The president) said his father was loving and not at all hard on him as a child," deputy White House press secretary Sarah Matthews said in response.

"Mary Trump and her book's publisher may claim to be acting in the public interest, but this book is clearly in the author's own financial self-interest," she added.

Trump has also described that book as "fiction."

US President Donald Trump's niece paints him as a lying narcissist who was shaped by his domineering father in her memoir. The memoir is due out on July 14 amid a legal battle to stop its publication and is already a best-seller on Amazon.

US President Donald Trump's niece paints him as a lying narcissist who was shaped by his domineering father in her memoir. The memoir is due out on July 14 amid a legal battle to stop its publication and is already a best-seller on Amazon. The 240-page book says Trump is a product of his "sociopath" father Fred Trump who created an abusive and traumatic home life, The Washington Post reported. The memoir is billed as the first unflattering portrayal of Trump by a family insider. She writes that her uncle meets all the clinical criteria for being a narcissist, according to The New York Times. Mary, a clinical psychologist, also writes that Trump saw "cheating as a way of life," according to The New York Times. She alleges that the future US leader paid someone else to take the SAT pre-collegiate exam, helping him get into the University of Pennsylvania's prestigious Wharton business school. Also read | Trump paid proxy to take college entrance exam for him, claims niece's new book Mary is the daughter of Fred Trump Jr, Trump's older brother, who died in 1981 from complications related to alcoholism. The president's younger brother Robert Trump tried to block publication, arguing that Mary was violating a non-disclosure agreement signed in 2001 after the settlement of her grandfather's estate. The book is set to be the latest bombshell book to dish dirt on Trump after former aide John Bolton's tome, which describes the Republican leader as corrupt and incompetent, hit shelves last month. The White House immediately hit back, describing Mary Trump's "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man" as "a book of falsehoods." "(The president) said his father was loving and not at all hard on him as a child," deputy White House press secretary Sarah Matthews said in response. "Mary Trump and her book's publisher may claim to be acting in the public interest, but this book is clearly in the author's own financial self-interest," she added. Trump has also described that book as "fiction."

Trump a 'lying narcissist shaped by his bullying father', niece says, as White House cries foul

Kanye West is no longer supporting Donald Trump. This piece of news might seem untrue but the rapper recently revealed that he’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rapper-kanye-west-announces-he-is-running-for-us-president-in-2020-310790">serious about running for the US President’s post </a>as he is clearly upset with the way things have been handled in the country.

In an interview with Forbes, Kanye who was an ardent support of Trump said, "It looks like one big mess to me," and added, “I don't like that I caught wind that he hid in the bunker."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/imagine-kim-kardashian-as-the-first-lady-twitterati-has-a-field-day-as-kanye-west-announces-he-contest-for-presidents-post-310836">'Imagine Kim Kardashian as the first lady': Twitterati has a field day as Kanye West announces he contest for President's post</a>

He was referring to last month’s reports that Trump had hidden in a bunker after the novel coronavirus outbreak swept the entire country.&nbsp;

Talking about running for presidency, Kanye West said that he hasn’t taken steps as of yet but will do in time to come. He insisted to Forbes that his run is not a publicity stunt and said he had no issue with the idea that his planned run could potentially take votes away from the Democratic nominee Joe Biden and aid in the reelection of Trump.

"I'm not denying it, I just told you," West said. "To say that the Black vote is Democratic is a form of racism and white supremacy. I'm not saying Trump's in my way, he may be a part of my way. And Joe Biden? Like come on man, please. You know? Obama's special. Trump's special. We say Kanye West is special. America needs special people that lead. Bill Clinton? Special. Joe Biden's not special."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kim-kardashian-kanye-west-reportedly-having-major-relationship-issues-during-lockdown-297779">Kim Kardashian &amp; Kanye West reportedly having major relationship issues during lockdown</a>

Kanye West is no longer supporting Donald Trump. This piece of news might seem untrue but the rapper recently revealed that he’s serious about running for the US President’s post as he is clearly upset with the way things have been handled in the country.

Kanye West is no longer supporting Donald Trump. This piece of news might seem untrue but the rapper recently revealed that he’s serious about running for the US President’s post as he is clearly upset with the way things have been handled in the country. In an interview with Forbes, Kanye who was an ardent support of Trump said, "It looks like one big mess to me," and added, “I don't like that I caught wind that he hid in the bunker." 'Imagine Kim Kardashian as the first lady': Twitterati has a field day as Kanye West announces he contest for President's post He was referring to last month’s reports that Trump had hidden in a bunker after the novel coronavirus outbreak swept the entire country. Talking about running for presidency, Kanye West said that he hasn’t taken steps as of yet but will do in time to come. He insisted to Forbes that his run is not a publicity stunt and said he had no issue with the idea that his planned run could potentially take votes away from the Democratic nominee Joe Biden and aid in the reelection of Trump. "I'm not denying it, I just told you," West said. "To say that the Black vote is Democratic is a form of racism and white supremacy. I'm not saying Trump's in my way, he may be a part of my way. And Joe Biden? Like come on man, please. You know? Obama's special. Trump's special. We say Kanye West is special. America needs special people that lead. Bill Clinton? Special. Joe Biden's not special." Kim Kardashian & Kanye West reportedly having major relationship issues during lockdown

Kanye West reveals he does not support Trump anymore and had coronavirus

An American passport allowed its holders access to numerous countries with free visas or visa-on-arrival, but it no longer holds the same access.

According to the latest Henley Passport Index, US passports have access to 158 countries, 27 less than before coronavirus and largely due to the EU's decision to temporarily ban travellers from the US. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-begins-formal-withdrawal-from-who-311479">Also Read: Trump administration begins formal withdrawal from WHO</a>

Under the current EU ban, Americans have around the same level of travel freedom as citizens of Mexico (No. 25 on Henley Passport Index, with a score of 159) and Uruguay (No. 28, with a score of 153).

The US has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths compared to any other country. These travel bans are a stinging rebuke for America's poor handling of this pandemic.

US coronavirus deaths surpassed 130,000 amid a surge in COVID-19 cases across the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-death-toll-may-rise-over-208200-by-november-1-reveals-new-covid-19-model-311653">Also Read: US death toll may rise over 208,200 by November 1</a> 
 
Furthermore, Goldman Sachs, one of the largest investment banking enterprises in the world, has further lowered America's GDP forecast.

The bank predicts the US GDP growing 25 per cent in the third quarter as compared to its previous projection of 33 per cent.

America is failing phenomenally on several counts. After weeks of protests, a show of strength by armed militias has become a common sight in the land of the free. 
 
A diminishing privilege, a raging pandemic and a growing recession and the evolving unrest, all these things together bust the many myths that have surrounded America for centuries.

&nbsp;

An American passport allowed its holders access to numerous countries with free visas or visa-on-arrival, but it no longer holds the same access. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, US passports have access to 158 countries, 27 less than before coronavirus and largely due to the EU's decision to temporarily ban travellers from the US.

An American passport allowed its holders access to numerous countries with free visas or visa-on-arrival, but it no longer holds the same access. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, US passports have access to 158 countries, 27 less than before coronavirus and largely due to the EU's decision to temporarily ban travellers from the US. Also Read: Trump administration begins formal withdrawal from WHO Under the current EU ban, Americans have around the same level of travel freedom as citizens of Mexico (No. 25 on Henley Passport Index, with a score of 159) and Uruguay (No. 28, with a score of 153). The US has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths compared to any other country. These travel bans are a stinging rebuke for America's poor handling of this pandemic. US coronavirus deaths surpassed 130,000 amid a surge in COVID-19 cases across the country. Also Read: US death toll may rise over 208,200 by November 1 Furthermore, Goldman Sachs, one of the largest investment banking enterprises in the world, has further lowered America's GDP forecast. The bank predicts the US GDP growing 25 per cent in the third quarter as compared to its previous projection of 33 per cent. America is failing phenomenally on several counts. After weeks of protests, a show of strength by armed militias has become a common sight in the land of the free. A diminishing privilege, a raging pandemic and a growing recession and the evolving unrest, all these things together bust the many myths that have surrounded America for centuries.

US Passport loses its charm in a post-pandemic world

US President Donald Trump's administration touted its $660 billion small business pandemic aid program this week as a "wild success," unveiling data that showed the initiative saved 51 million jobs.

But there were red flags throughout the colossal data set that suggested some borrowers overstated how many jobs their loan salvaged. That, combined with several of the named companies disputing that they took a loan after the government showed otherwise, cast doubt on the accuracy of the 51 million figure.

For example, a Reuters analysis of the data found that 827 companies reported saving at least 400 jobs with a loan smaller than $150,000. Two hundred of those companies reported saving at least 400 jobs with a loan of just $5,000 or less.

"I'm skeptical of the total number," said Philip Mattera, a director at Washington-based non-profit Good Jobs First, which focuses on government accountability.

"My guess is there wasn't much rigor that went into the reporting of these jobs figures." 
A senior administration official said the 51 million figure was an estimate based on the preliminary lender data and that the actual number of jobs saved will be clearer once borrowers have gone through the process of having the loans forgiven.

The Paycheck Protection Program, overseen by the Small Business Administration (SBA), allows small businesses with 500 or fewer employees hurt by the economic fallout of the pandemic to apply for a forgivable government-backed loan. Monday's data provided details on nearly 4.9 million loans, including the number of jobs the borrower said the loan helped them retain.

That data - released jointly by the SBA and the US Treasury Department on Monday - is critical in assessing the success of the program, which Congress created to keep workers on the payroll.

In a bid to get cash out the door quickly, the Treasury and the SBA agreed that borrowers need only to certify in good faith that the information they supplied to lenders and the SBA was accurate.

Except for a limited documentation review, the job retention figures were not thoroughly vetted, according to interviews with bankers and lawyers who have direct knowledge of the process.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, senior administration officials were at pains to point out that the onus was on the borrower to provide accurate information.

Mattera said one "telltale" sign that some borrowers may have fudged the figures was the 3,728 companies which reported that they retained exactly 500 employees.

As companies were not compelled to provide job retention estimates to apply for the loan, 878,000 companies either reported that no jobs were retained or did not provide a number, a Reuters analysis found. That's roughly 18% of all loans.

Reuters and other media outlets have also identified several borrowers listed in the data, including scooter company Bird Rides Inc. and New York-based Advent Capital Management LLC, which dispute that they applied for or received a PPP loan.

Bird Rides CEO Travis VanderZanden Tweeted on Monday that his company had discussed getting a loan with its bank, but decided against it. Likewise, Advent told Reuters it explored seeking a loan but never completed an application. But in the data, their loans are listed as having saved 395 jobs combined.

Those discrepancies suggest the data contains phantom loans - loans which were approved by the SBA but which were neither disbursed nor canceled by the lender, leaving them to linger in the SBA system, according to people familiar with the process.

"When you have a list this large there are going to be quite a few errors in it," Mattera said.

US President Donald Trump's administration touted its $660 billion small business pandemic aid program this week as a "wild success," unveiling data that showed the initiative saved 51 million jobs.

US President Donald Trump's administration touted its $660 billion small business pandemic aid program this week as a "wild success," unveiling data that showed the initiative saved 51 million jobs. But there were red flags throughout the colossal data set that suggested some borrowers overstated how many jobs their loan salvaged. That, combined with several of the named companies disputing that they took a loan after the government showed otherwise, cast doubt on the accuracy of the 51 million figure. For example, a Reuters analysis of the data found that 827 companies reported saving at least 400 jobs with a loan smaller than $150,000. Two hundred of those companies reported saving at least 400 jobs with a loan of just $5,000 or less. "I'm skeptical of the total number," said Philip Mattera, a director at Washington-based non-profit Good Jobs First, which focuses on government accountability. "My guess is there wasn't much rigor that went into the reporting of these jobs figures." A senior administration official said the 51 million figure was an estimate based on the preliminary lender data and that the actual number of jobs saved will be clearer once borrowers have gone through the process of having the loans forgiven. The Paycheck Protection Program, overseen by the Small Business Administration (SBA), allows small businesses with 500 or fewer employees hurt by the economic fallout of the pandemic to apply for a forgivable government-backed loan. Monday's data provided details on nearly 4.9 million loans, including the number of jobs the borrower said the loan helped them retain. That data - released jointly by the SBA and the US Treasury Department on Monday - is critical in assessing the success of the program, which Congress created to keep workers on the payroll. In a bid to get cash out the door quickly, the Treasury and the SBA agreed that borrowers need only to certify in good faith that the information they supplied to lenders and the SBA was accurate. Except for a limited documentation review, the job retention figures were not thoroughly vetted, according to interviews with bankers and lawyers who have direct knowledge of the process. Speaking to reporters on Monday, senior administration officials were at pains to point out that the onus was on the borrower to provide accurate information. Mattera said one "telltale" sign that some borrowers may have fudged the figures was the 3,728 companies which reported that they retained exactly 500 employees. As companies were not compelled to provide job retention estimates to apply for the loan, 878,000 companies either reported that no jobs were retained or did not provide a number, a Reuters analysis found. That's roughly 18% of all loans. Reuters and other media outlets have also identified several borrowers listed in the data, including scooter company Bird Rides Inc. and New York-based Advent Capital Management LLC, which dispute that they applied for or received a PPP loan. Bird Rides CEO Travis VanderZanden Tweeted on Monday that his company had discussed getting a loan with its bank, but decided against it. Likewise, Advent told Reuters it explored seeking a loan but never completed an application. But in the data, their loans are listed as having saved 395 jobs combined. Those discrepancies suggest the data contains phantom loans - loans which were approved by the SBA but which were neither disbursed nor canceled by the lender, leaving them to linger in the SBA system, according to people familiar with the process. "When you have a list this large there are going to be quite a few errors in it," Mattera said.

Trump administration says pandemic aid saved 51 million jobs. Did it?

Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro and Xi Jinping lead three different countries in three different continents, but have a lot in common.&nbsp;

All three presidents projected themselves as outsiders to win power and they cannot stand criticism, especially, when it comes from the media.&nbsp;

The United States, Brazil and China are on the same boat. US president Donald Trump promised to make America great again, but the country is worst hit by the coronavirus.

The US coronavirus outbreak crossed a grim milestone of over 3 million confirmed cases that has put President Donald Trump’s handling of the crisis under the microscope and derailed efforts to restart the economy. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-hunger-for-power-grows-as-china-struggles-with-pandemic-311714">Also read: Xi Jinping's hunger for power grows as China struggles with pandemic</a> 
 
Authorities have reported alarming upswings of daily caseloads in roughly two dozen states over the past two weeks, a sign that efforts to control transmission of the novel coronavirus have failed in large swaths of the country.&nbsp;

In Brazil, Bolsonaro remained in denial and encouraged protests against the lockdown and now he himself has tested positive for coronavirus. He has regularly appeared in public without a mask and on Friday vetoed parts of a bill that made the use of masks mandatory in public places.

Brazil has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases with over 60,000 deaths so far. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-urges-china-to-free-activists-on-crackdown-anniversary-311720">Also Read: EU urges China to free activists on crackdown anniversary</a>

China's coronavirus cover-up allowed the virus to spread all over the world and Xi Jinping's lust for power has isolated his country.&nbsp; 
 
Several world leaders have accused China of spreading coronavirus across the world, calling for it to be held ‘fully accountable’. Many have alleged that coronavirus originated in a laboratory in Wuhan, however, China has refuted the allegations.

Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro and Xi Jinping failed to handle a serious health emergency, and now their countries are paying the price for their self-obsession and failures. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro and Xi Jinping lead three different countries in three different continents, but have a lot in common. All three presidents projected themselves as outsiders to win power and they cannot stand criticism, especially, when it comes from the media.

Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro and Xi Jinping lead three different countries in three different continents, but have a lot in common. All three presidents projected themselves as outsiders to win power and they cannot stand criticism, especially, when it comes from the media. The United States, Brazil and China are on the same boat. US president Donald Trump promised to make America great again, but the country is worst hit by the coronavirus. The US coronavirus outbreak crossed a grim milestone of over 3 million confirmed cases that has put President Donald Trump’s handling of the crisis under the microscope and derailed efforts to restart the economy. Also read: Xi Jinping's hunger for power grows as China struggles with pandemic Authorities have reported alarming upswings of daily caseloads in roughly two dozen states over the past two weeks, a sign that efforts to control transmission of the novel coronavirus have failed in large swaths of the country. In Brazil, Bolsonaro remained in denial and encouraged protests against the lockdown and now he himself has tested positive for coronavirus. He has regularly appeared in public without a mask and on Friday vetoed parts of a bill that made the use of masks mandatory in public places. Brazil has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases with over 60,000 deaths so far. Also Read: EU urges China to free activists on crackdown anniversary China's coronavirus cover-up allowed the virus to spread all over the world and Xi Jinping's lust for power has isolated his country. Several world leaders have accused China of spreading coronavirus across the world, calling for it to be held ‘fully accountable’. Many have alleged that coronavirus originated in a laboratory in Wuhan, however, China has refuted the allegations. Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro and Xi Jinping failed to handle a serious health emergency, and now their countries are paying the price for their self-obsession and failures. (With inputs from agencies)

A tale of three presidents who've pushed their countries to the edge

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Tuesday (July 7) he tested positive for the novel coronavirus after months of playing down the severity of the virus and defying medical experts, even as the pandemic killed more than 65,000 people in his country.

"It's not just a little flu". Brazilians jeer and cheer Covid-positive Bolsonaro

US President Donald Trump once paid a proxy to take a standardised college entrance exam for him when he was a high school student, his niece has claimed in a tell-all book scheduled to be published next week.

According to a report by The New York Times, Mary Trump -- in the book "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man" -- writes that the president paid someone to take the SAT, an entrance exam used by most US universities, in his place.

“The high score the proxy earned for him helped the young Mr Trump to later gain admittance as an undergraduate to the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious Wharton business school,” a manuscript of the book read.

White House senior advisor Kellyanne Conway, when asked about the book on Tuesday, told reporters at the White House that it was a family matter.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Tuesday: “It’s a book of falsehoods and that’s about it.”

US President Donald Trump once paid a proxy to take a standardised college entrance exam for him when he was a high school student, his niece has claimed in a tell-all book scheduled to be published next week.

US President Donald Trump once paid a proxy to take a standardised college entrance exam for him when he was a high school student, his niece has claimed in a tell-all book scheduled to be published next week. According to a report by The New York Times, Mary Trump -- in the book "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man" -- writes that the president paid someone to take the SAT, an entrance exam used by most US universities, in his place. “The high score the proxy earned for him helped the young Mr Trump to later gain admittance as an undergraduate to the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious Wharton business school,” a manuscript of the book read. White House senior advisor Kellyanne Conway, when asked about the book on Tuesday, told reporters at the White House that it was a family matter. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Tuesday: “It’s a book of falsehoods and that’s about it.”

Trump paid proxy to take college entrance exam for him, claims niece's new book

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that rapper Kanye West's declaration that he is running for president was "very interesting." 
 
Responding to West's claim that he would run against Trump -- for whom the musician has expressed support in the past, Trump told reporters at the White House, "He may." &nbsp;

The declaration by West, 43, on Twitter that he was gunning for the highest office in the land was retweeted half a million times and 'liked' a million. 
 
"If he did it, he would have to view this as a trial run for what's going to happen in four years," said Trump, noting that it may be too late for West to register in some states, and that he lacks the infrastructure for a presidential bid. 
 
West, who visited Trump in the Oval Office in 2018 and donned a trademark 'Make America Great Again' red baseball cap, announced his proposed run on Saturday, as the country celebrated Independence Day. 
 
"We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future," the music and fashion mogul said. 
 
"I am running for president of the United States," he said, with an icon of a US flag and the hashtag '2020Vision.' He has not provided any details about his alleged campaign.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/imagine-kim-kardashian-as-the-first-lady-twitterati-has-a-field-day-as-kanye-west-announces-he-contest-for-presidents-post-310836">Also read: 'Imagine Kim Kardashian as the first lady': Twitterati has a field day as Kanye West announces he contest for President's post</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/what-would-kanye-west-have-to-do-to-launch-a-late-white-house-bid-310957">Also read: What would Kanye West have to do to launch a late White House bid?</a>

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that rapper Kanye West's declaration that he is running for president was "very interesting." Responding to West's claim that he would run against Trump -- for whom the musician has expressed support in the past, Trump told reporters at the White House, "He may.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that rapper Kanye West's declaration that he is running for president was "very interesting." Responding to West's claim that he would run against Trump -- for whom the musician has expressed support in the past, Trump told reporters at the White House, "He may." The declaration by West, 43, on Twitter that he was gunning for the highest office in the land was retweeted half a million times and 'liked' a million. "If he did it, he would have to view this as a trial run for what's going to happen in four years," said Trump, noting that it may be too late for West to register in some states, and that he lacks the infrastructure for a presidential bid. West, who visited Trump in the Oval Office in 2018 and donned a trademark 'Make America Great Again' red baseball cap, announced his proposed run on Saturday, as the country celebrated Independence Day. "We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future," the music and fashion mogul said. "I am running for president of the United States," he said, with an icon of a US flag and the hashtag '2020Vision.' He has not provided any details about his alleged campaign. Also read: 'Imagine Kim Kardashian as the first lady': Twitterati has a field day as Kanye West announces he contest for President's post Also read: What would Kanye West have to do to launch a late White House bid?

Donald Trump terms Kanye West's White House bid as 'interesting'

The number of coronavirus cases in the United States topped 3 million on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, stoking fears that hospitals will be overwhelmed.

The United States has the highest number of both COVID-19 cases and deaths in the world. More than 130,000 Americans have succumbed to the disease, a toll that experts warn will likely surge following recent record spikes in case numbers in many states.

In the first seven days of July, 18 states have reported record increases in new cases of COVID-19, according to a Reuters tally.

In Texas alone, the number of hospitalized patients more than doubled in just two weeks. The Democratic mayor of Austin warned over the weekend that his city's hospitals could reach capacity in two weeks and run out of intensive care unit (ICU) beds in 10 days. In Arizona, about 90% of ICU beds are full, the report said.

The rise in cases also cast a shadow over the nation's Fourth of July celebrations, with many towns and cities across the country cancelling annual fireworks displays to avoid large crowds gathering.

During an Independence Day speech at the White House on Saturday, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump claimed that 99% of coronavirus cases in the United States were "totally harmless."

Trump, a Republican, has refused to wear a mask in public and has been reluctant to encourage Americans to do so, saying it was a personal choice.

A July 4 celebration he attended at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota was "mask-optional" and had no social distancing.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

The number of coronavirus cases in the United States topped 3 million on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, stoking fears that hospitals will be overwhelmed.

The number of coronavirus cases in the United States topped 3 million on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, stoking fears that hospitals will be overwhelmed. The United States has the highest number of both COVID-19 cases and deaths in the world. More than 130,000 Americans have succumbed to the disease, a toll that experts warn will likely surge following recent record spikes in case numbers in many states. In the first seven days of July, 18 states have reported record increases in new cases of COVID-19, according to a Reuters tally. In Texas alone, the number of hospitalized patients more than doubled in just two weeks. The Democratic mayor of Austin warned over the weekend that his city's hospitals could reach capacity in two weeks and run out of intensive care unit (ICU) beds in 10 days. In Arizona, about 90% of ICU beds are full, the report said. The rise in cases also cast a shadow over the nation's Fourth of July celebrations, with many towns and cities across the country cancelling annual fireworks displays to avoid large crowds gathering. During an Independence Day speech at the White House on Saturday, US President Donald Trump claimed that 99% of coronavirus cases in the United States were "totally harmless." Trump, a Republican, has refused to wear a mask in public and has been reluctant to encourage Americans to do so, saying it was a personal choice. A July 4 celebration he attended at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota was "mask-optional" and had no social distancing. (With inputs from Reuters)

US coronavirus cases top 3 million, stoking fears of overwhelmed hospitals

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